Minutes, News and Notes from the June 12th, 2008 Town Board Meeting:
you may also get full, approved copies of the minutes by visiting the Town Hall
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The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Jackson at 7:03 PM.
Supervisor Jackson led us in the Pledge to the Flag.
Supervisor Jackson asked for a moment of silence for Lloyd Moore, Chairman
of the APLRB.
Supervisor Jackson announced there will be a Blood Pressure screening at the Town
Hall, Friday June 20th from 10 am to Noon.
On Roll Call Board Members present were: Councilwoman LaPine, Councilman
LaForest, Supervisor Jackson, Councilman Wrisley and Councilman Sayward. Also
present were Jim Morgan Highway Superintendent, Audrey Hoskins, Town Clerk
and Lois Sayward.
Visitors included Lori Lincoln-Spooner, Supervisor Town of Willsboro, Maria Evens,
Director of Willsboro Summer Youth Program. Amanda Perez, John Bingham, Shirley
LaForest, Cory and Tom Gilliland, Tom and Bea Carrick and MaryLou Kristy.
Supervisor Jackson greeted the visitors and offered the courtesy of the floor.
Supervisor Lincoln-Spooner gave an update on Summer Youth program for
Willsboro and Essex Youth. She hopes to have a swim program this year. There are still
a few details to be worked out. Supervisor Spooner invited everyone to the Youth Commission meeting at Noblewood on July 2 at 6 PM. The regular schedule for
the Youth Commission meeting is 6 PM at the Visitors Center in Willsboro.
Maria Evens, Director of Willsboro-Essex Summer Youth Program told the Board that
eleven children have signed up for the summer program from Essex. Supervisor Jackson asked for a weekly attendance sheet to be faxed to the Town, so attendance can be tracked. This way we can see who attends regularly and who only goes once in a while.
We can then meet with the parents of the children who do not attended regularly and explain to them that the cost to the Town is the same whether they attend or not.
Supervisor Lincoln-Spooner said the Summer Youth Program will be from July 7th to
August 16th. Registration will be Tuesday, June 17th from 4:00 to 6:30 pm in Willsboro School Cafeteria for children entering 1st grade through 6th grade. The fee is $25 for
a 6 week program. There will be a new Arts & Craft Director this year. Her name is
Elizabeth Bonafonti.
Supervisor Jackson asked Councilman LaForest to read the plaque that was being
presented to MaryLou Kristy in recognition of her many hours of volunteer work
in the Cultural Arts in the Town of Essex. Ms. Kristy was made an honorary citizen of Essex.
Motion made by Councilman LaForest to table the May 8th Regular Town Board Meeting
Minutes until next month. Seconded by Councilman Wrisley. Roll call: Councilwoman
LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
There was no Planning Board Meeting.
Zoning Officer’s Report:
From May 6, 2008 to June 11, 2008 the following permits were issued:
· 5-7-08 A-745 Building permit for chimney to Sue & Tim McGarry of 2229 County Route 10, Building 6 $25.00
· 5-21-08 CO-746 Certificate of Occupancy to Klaus Shigley of 2892 Essex Road N/C
· 5-29-08 A-747 Building permit for wood stove and chimney to Steve Pierce of 1451 Stowersville Road $35.00
· 6-2-08 CO-748 Certificate of Occupancy to Kathleen Ginn and Patricia Tiunan of 25 Derby Way. N/C
· 6-3-08 A-749 Building permit for chimney and wood boiler to Harold Montville of 300 Daniels Road $35.00
I continue to make inspections of on-going projects.
Respectfully submitted, David S. Lansing
Supervisor’s County Report
A State representive from Real Property was at the County Board of Supervisors meeting
on May 27th 2008. The Supervisors asked many tough questions with few answers. The concern was on how equalization was going to be established. The Real Property stated that there are 3 zones in Essex County. The Northern zone, the Southern zone and North
Elba and Keene. Keen was very concerned that they are assessed the same as North Elba.
Everyone is very concerned about the price of heating oil especially for those on fixed incomes. Essex has a fund to help with heating cost. The fund is in good shape, but with the high cost of fuel we need to raise more money for the fund. Persons on Heap assistance will not be able to fill their tanks since the initial payment is about $400 and this will not cover the cost the of the required amount for a delivery which is 100 to 150 gallons of oil.
Correspondence
Colleen Van Hoven has requested the use of Begg’s Park for a Hospice fundraiser and asked if the Town would waive the $50 charge for Park use. Motion made by Councilman Sayward to give permission for use of Begg’s Park for a Hospice Fund raiser and the fee to be waived for this event. Seconded by Councilwoman LaPine. Roll call: Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
Insurance renewal paperwork received from Upstate Agency. Supervisor Jackson asked the Board if they wanted to go to bid or just renew Upstate. Councilwoman LaPine asked if we received more than one bid last time. Supervisor Jackson stated that Upstate was the only bid we received. Motion to renew insurance with Upstate Agency made by Councilman LaForest. Seconded by Councilman Wrisley. Roll call: Councilwoman
LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman LaForest-
yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
Darcey Hurlburt is concerned about the sidewalk in front of her home. She feels it is a safety issue. Councilman Wrisley talked with Darcey about the side walk and she
would just like it repaired so no one gets hurt using it. Jim Morgan, Highway
Superintendent said that it could be paved and this would solve the problem.
Essex Community Fund has approved a $1000 grant for the Playground fund and the
Beautification Committee.
The Town has received a non-compliance notice for the Lake Street Wall from the
APA on the stone facing. Supervisor Jackson stated the Town has applied for a grant from thru Environmental Protection Act- Historical Preservation Program in the amount
of $176,000 to be used for the stone facing. Supervisor Jackson has asked for support
from Mr. Miller, Enforcement Officer for the APA, Senator Betty Little and Assemblywoman Theresa Sayward in obtaining this grant.
Unfinished Business
Councilwoman LaPine updated the Board on the status of the playground equipment.
The equipment is to arrive and be installed on June 23 Setup will be done in 1 day. Councilwoman LaPine feels she will have a small surplus of money and would like to buy a picnic table for the children. ECF asked to have a memorial erected at the Park to thank all who have contributed to the fund. Councilwoman LaPine asked for ideas for the memorial.
Sand bid - The Town received 2 bids on the 3000 cubic yards.
Michael Christian Landscaping & Excavation bid $4.00/yard Town pick up.
$8.20/yard delivered.
Doug West bid $3.80/yard Town pick up. $7.99/yard delivered.
Motion to accept bids and award to the low bidder Doug West made by Councilman
LaForest. Seconded by Councilman Sayward. Roll call: Councilwoman LaPine-yes,
Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and
Councilman Sayward-yes.
D-8 bulldozer bids. One bid was received. Eric Holland bid $300.
Councilman LaForest asked if the Town should scrap it and Supervisor Jackson
said this information was sent to George Moore and he did not send in a bid. Jim
Morgan said the dozer would have to be stripped down to scrap it and probably
no one was interested in the amount of work involved in doing this. Motion to accept
bid of $300 by Eric Holland made by Councilman Sayward. Seconded by Councilman Wrisley. Roll call: Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor
Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
1993 Ford pickup bid. One bid was received. Eugene Benway bid $355.55.
Motion to accept bid of $355.55 from Eugene Benway made by Councilman Wrisley. Seconded by Councilman Sayward. Roll call: Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman
LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
Water policy – new hook-ups tabled until next month.
Motion to accept proposed Teamsters Contract to be effective 1/1/09 as amended made by Councilman LaForest. Seconded by Councilman Wrisley. The Cafeteria plan was discussed. Councilwoman LaPine said she would not vote to have it start this year. Councilman Sayward wanted to know how much it would cost to start this program mid-year. The Cafeteria Plan will be discussed further next month. Roll call: Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
The Lake Street Wall we discussed earlier. We have submitted paperwork for a grant
for $176,000. Congressman McHugh thinks he can secure about $50,000 for this project.
The stone work will need to be rebid when we have funding.
An engineer was up from Janet Null’s office today and Lauren Murphy and I (Supervisor
Jackson) did a walk thru with him at the Old Stone Church. We need to prioritize the
work to be done with the available funding.
New Business
RESOLUTION #17 of 2008
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMAN LAFOREST, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
WHEREAS NYS Department of Transportation recognizes that fuel costs and resulting salt costs to the Towns for the 2007-2008 Snow and Ice were higher than anticipated; and
WHEREAS NYS Department of Transportation has offered to grant a Fuel Adjustment for the 2007-2008 Municipal Lump Sum Snow and Ice Contract to the Town of Essex; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Essex authorizes Supervisor Ronald E. Jackson to enter into agreement on Amendment B, attached, with New York State Department of Transportation.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN SAYWARD AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL:
Jackson yes
LaPine yes
Sayward yes
Wrisley yes
LaForest yes
Supervisor Jackson asked if anyone objected to inviting Wayne Ryan to our July Board Meeting to discuss what our options are for the waste water treatment plant. There were
no objections. The bills for AES Northeast for work on the collection system were discussed. We have a 1 million dollar grant which we can apply for in 3 applications. We will apply for the first amount when we have all the bills for the collection system. When we proceed with the plant design we will apply for the second amount. We will apply for the rest when we build the plant. Supervisor explained we are borrowing money from our unexpended balance to pay these bills and when we receive our first payment from the million the unexpended balance in the General Fund will be paid back.
RESOLUTION #18 of 2008
June 12, 2008
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman Sayward, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Essex Transfer $28,945.71 from the General Fund Account A9050.8 to the Sewer Fund Loan account.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman Wrisley AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL:
Jackson yes
LaPine yes
Sayward yes
Wrisley yes
LaForest yes
We have received notice from Serkil they will be accepting # 1 plastic. Harry LaPine has some concerns over this. If we do not meet the weight limit, we will be charged extra. We will need to resolve this problem if we are charged extra.
Nancy Dougal, Transportation Coordinator has asked for letters of support for the
Study of a bus route between Willsboro, Essex and Elizabethtown. Resolution 18 was
offered as amended.
RESOLUTION #19 of 2008
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilwoman LaPine, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
WHEREAS, with the increase in the price of gas, heating oil, food and other necessities; and
WHEREAS, people are more concerned about saving energy and reducing their carbon foot print; and
WHEREAS, many people in the Willsboro Essex greater Community have expressed an interest riding a bus to Elizabethtown; so
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Essex supports the study of a bus route between Willsboro, Essex and Elizabethtown.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman LaForest AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL:
Jackson yes
LaPine yes
Sayward yes
Wrisley yes
LaForest yes
Committee Meetings
Building & Grounds meeting scheduled for Thursday June 19th at the Town Highway
Garage at 7PM.
Amanda Perz representing the Eddy Foundation asked to address the Board. The Eddy
Foundation would like to contribute money toward the purchase of a picnic table. Ms. Perz would like a local company to make the table. Councilwoman LaPine thanked her
and said she would be very happy to accept the donation. Ms. Perez stated that if there was
an extra charge for recycling the #1 plastic bottles that it would be worth the charge. She
also feels that people should be encouraged to drink the Town water which would eliminate so many plastic water bottles. She also said the EPA website is a potential source of funding for water and sewer treatment systems. It is geared toward sustainable alternatives. Supervisor Jackson explained that the EPA has changed its guidelines for funding and summer residents are counted in the equalization when determining eligibility. With the summer population we have in Essex we do not qualify for EPA funding. Supervisor Jackson said he would look into the EPA funding. Ms. Perez is in favor of establishing a bus route. Ms. Perez attended the Town meeting that was held in Westport to discuss the future of the Town and wondered if Essex would be having a similar meeting. Supervisor Jackson stated that a similar type meeting was held by the Essex Commerce group and that they planned to have another meeting this year.
John Bingham stated that he and his wife, Katherine are in charge of Essex Day this year and any wisdom any one wants to share will be appreciated.
Supervisor Lincoln-Spooner thanked the Town for the nutrition site saying that it is very
popular with her Town’s seniors. She asked Supervisor Jackson for figures on the fuel
and electricity cost for the site, so she can include a contribution to help defray the cost in her next year budget. Supervisor Jackson said he would get those figures to her.
Councilwoman LaPine received a phone call from Caroline Walker. Ms. Walker wanted to know if everyone received a letter about campers in their yards. She received the letter from Dave Lansing. Councilwoman LaPine looked up the law and it stated the camper is not to be hooked up to utilities. Ms. Walker stated that they leave it plugged in to keep the groceries in their refrigerator from spoiling. Supervisor Jackson said Dave must have received a complaint. Supervisor Jackson told Councilwoman LaPine she should speak with Dave about this complaint.
Councilwoman LaPine asked if Lee Ackley and Sandy Vance has received a bill for the water extension to their new house. Supervisor Jackson said it is on his to do list.
Bills
General Fund $2529.74
Highway 5023.45
Water 1841.46
Street Lights 550.00
Transfer Station 2253.32
Sewer Loan 28945.71
Water Prepay 37.14
General Prepay 845.74
Highway Prepay 283.15
Motion to accept bills as presented made by Councilman Wrisley. Seconded by Councilman LaPine. Roll call. Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
Town Clerk Report
Motion to accept Town Clerk report as presented made by Councilman LaForest. Seconded by
Councilwoman LaPine. Roll call: Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
Water Rents
Motion to accept water rents as presented made by Councilman LaForest. Seconded by Councilman Sayward. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
Supervisors Report
Motion to accept Supervisor’s report as presented made by Councilman LaForest. Seconded by Councilman Sayward. Roll call: Councilman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
Motion made to go into executive session by Councilman Sayward. Seconded by
Councilwoman LaPine. Roll call: Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
Executive session began ay 9:05 PM.
Motion to exit executive session at 9:39 PM made by councilman LaForest. Seconded by Councilman Sayward. Roll call: Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Supervisor Jackson-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Councilman Sayward-yes.
Meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM
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